The eternal most British debate of all-time is in full swing: when is it ok to play Christmas songs?

Up and down the country, Christmas lights have been turned on down high streets by famous people – although they certainly lean towards the definition of ‘infamous’ rather than ‘famous’.

Eventually, when the 1st December reaches, the United Kingdom breathes a collective sigh of relief, as it’s now deemed – by the majority, at least – to drive home for Christmas whilst blasting out ‘Drivin’ Home For Christmas’.

And it’s around this point, the second most British debate of all-time kicks in: which Christmas song is the greatest one ever?

will fight anyone who says Last Christmas isn't the best christmas song ever

Despite, Georgie, Head of HR, trying to tell you, whilst you make awkward chit-chat by the coffee machine, it’s ‘Little Drummer Boy. And, Ed, the guy in the office who believes no song has ever been released that wasn’t a remix, chewing your ear off over why it’s ‘Fairytale Of New York’, there’s now finally a definitive answer.

Spotify’s surge to the ultimate music streaming app has been impressive, considering the monopoly on the market that Apple and iTunes clearly felt they had.

With 60 million paid subscribers, Spotify have blown Apple Music out of the water – less than 1% of iTunes users are still subscribed to Apple Music after their free three-month subscription ended.

We took 30 of the most played Christmas playlists on Spotify, and calculated how often each one appeared in the playlists.

‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’ came out as the ultimate Christmas song – no, not Michael Buble’s version.

But the most remarkable thing about the song, made famous by Frank Sinatra, is that it featured a total of 59 times in 30 playlists – 197%.

In fact, Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town, Let It Snow, Winter Wonderland, Sleigh Ride, White Christmas, Silent Night, All I Want For Christmas Is You, Last Christmas, Jingle Bells and Baby, It’s Cold Outside all featured more than once on certain playlists.

Mariah Carey’s iconic ‘All I Want For Christmas’ coming in at eighth place will no doubt be the biggest surprise, although it still featured in 117% of playlists.

The very fact that 10 songs featured more than once on the same playlist is either a damning indictment on the quality of new Christmas songs released or the public’s lack of creativity.

But we will let you decide – before you do, though, here’s one of the more recent Christmas song releases, Alvin and the Chipmunks singing their festive tune…